Amusement device



E. R. SCHAEFER Jan. 5 1960 I AMUSEMENT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed Oct. 10, 1955 A R/VEST R CHAFHE Q g F W ATTORNEY Jan. 5, 1960 E. SCHAEFER AMUSEMENT DEVICE- 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 10, 1955 INVENTOR /76 [RA/[57R SOME/TR;

ATTORNEY United States Patent AMUSEMENT DEVICE Ernest R. Schaefer, Silver pring, Md. Application October 10, 1955, Serial No. 539,384 3 Claims. on. 46-22 This invention relates to amusement means and more particularly to novel multi dimensional assembly type toy means and is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial Number 465,030 for Amusement Device, filed October 27, 1954, now abandoned.

"The figurine or doll type toy has always enjoyed wide commercial success because of the extreme popularity of this type of toy, and those types of dolls that simulate or resemble well known movie, story book, historical, fine arts,-or cartoon personalities are particularly popular because of their association with the aforementioned personalities. Another form of toy that has been consistently popular and enjoyed wide commercial success due to its appeal to both child and adult alike is the construction type toy, wherein various type structures, figurines, or designs are constructed by assemblying a plur'ality of pieces in accordance with a predetermined plan or pattern. Many efforts have been made to create a toy embodying both-the appeal of the figurine type toy with the intrigue, enjoyment and educational features of the construction type toy. United States Letters Patent 2,506,-

328 issued to Don L. Alger is typical of prior art efforts to combine the construction type toy features into the figurine type toy. In the Alger patent a doll or figurine can be constructed from a plurality of parts or pieces vdefining delineated portions of the figure; such as the head, torso, arms and legs. In addition whole subassemblies of apparel and various features; such as, whiskers, noses, etc. are provided for assembly on the doll or figurine. The various components of the Alger toy are joined or assembled together by means of dowels on one pie ce press fittedly engaging apertures in a mutually adjacent piece, or by means of mutually threadable pieces.

The present novel invention is particularly intended to create moreintrigue in the assembly of a toy, which is composed of'a plurality of multidimensional pieces that are so formed as to require more thought and skill in its assembly.

Therefore, the form of toy of the present novel invention is intended to create more interest in both the child and adult in its assembly, as well as serving as an educational media aiding in the visualization of three dimensional forms.

. It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide novel amusement means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel construction type toy means.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel three dimensional construction toy means.

A further object of the present invention is to provide novel construction toy means with novel means for holding the toy in assembled relation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anovel'construction type toy means with novel magnetic means for holding the toy in assembled relation.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a novel three dimensional toy means having novel magnetic means for holding the toy in assembled relation. I

' Still another object of the present invention is to provide novel toy means-composed of a plurality of pieces with novel means on each of said pieces for holding them in a predetermined assembled relation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide novel doll means comprising a plurality of novel three dimensional pieces with novel adhering means for mounting in a predetermined relation upon novel magnetic mounting means.

Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide novel toy means comprising a plurality of novel moldable pieces having novel adhering means and novel magnetic mounting means upon which said pieces are mounted in a predetermined relation to form a complete toy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel construction toy means that are inexpensively manufactured are intriguing and educational to construct and forms a novel toy for enjoyment when completely constructed.

These and other objects will readily appear from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the attached drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an illustrative type figurine showing the novel support or mounting means in phanton lines;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of a preferred form of the novel magnetic support or mounting means of the present invention, showing the magnetic field in phantom lines;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the novel toy means of the present invention showing the manner in which the novel three dimensional pieces are mounted on the novel magnetic mounting means;

Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the novel toy means of the present invention showing the completely assembled doll and the parting or dividing lines between the various novel three dimensional pieces in solid lines, and the novel magnetic mounting means in phantom lines;

Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 are sectional views of similar pieces of the present novel toy means showing four novel means for providing the pieces with means for mounting said pieces on the novel magnetic mounting means;

Figure 7A is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified piece similar to those shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 showing novel small magnetic means mounted in the Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view of a further form of mounting means for the novel means of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevational-sectional view of still a further embodiment of the present novel in vention;

Figure 10 is an elevational View similar to Figure 4 showing the adaptation of the present novel invention to animal forms. v

Turning now to the drawing and particularly to Figures 1 through 3 the novel toy means of the presentinvention, generally indicated by the numeral 20, will now be particularly described.

For illustrative purposes toy 20 is shown in Figure 1 as a full figure of a farmer boy comprising a head pot tion 22, torso 24, and legs 26. As clearly seen in phantom lines in Figure 1 there is a novel mounting or supporting member 28 within the body of toy means 20. Mounting member 28, clearly shown in a preferred form in Figure 2, is formed of any of the well known permanently magnetizable materials; such as, steel. In its preferred form mounting means 28 comprises a generally ellipsoidal head supporting portion 30 integrally connected at one of its longest axis to a generally cylindrical neck portion 32. The other end of neck portion 32 is integrally connected to a novel body support por tion generally indicated by the numeral 34 and comprising an essentially upper spherical shoulder portion 36 which is integral with and merges into a lower body support portion 38 of generally paraboloidal form.

The interior of mounting member 28 may be hollowed as indicated by phantom lines 40 to maintain mounting member 28 and consequently toy means 20 as light as possible. One end of mangetic mounting member 28 is a north pole and the opposite end is a south pole, as is well known in the art of magnets, and a magnetic field of flux exists around the magnet passing from one pole to the other as indicated by phantom lines 42 in Figure 2.

As clearly seen in Figure 3 doll or figurine 20 is made up of a plurality of irregularly cut mutually mating three dimensional pieces; as for example, head pieces 44 and 46 which mate together along parting line 48 face pieces 50 and 52 mating along line 54, shoulder or torso piece 56 mating with face piece 52 along dividing line 58, and leg pieces 69 and 62 mating together along parting line 64.

The entire doll or figurine 2i) is formed from moldable material; such as, plastics, plaster, light metals, or the like, although I prefer to use the popular and more versatile plastics. The entire doll is cast or molded about a core conforming in dimensions to magnetic mounting means 28. After the doll is molded and has hardened it is cut away from the core in individual pieces as along the parting lines 48, 54, S, and 64, illustrated in Figure 3. As a result of molding the doll about a core conforming to the configuration of magnetic mounting means 28 the interior of each piece will have a cavity conforming to a particular section of the external surface of magnetic mounting means 23; as for example, cavity 66 of head piece 44 illustrated in Figure 5. Of course once the initial doll is molded each piece can then be individually molded from molds or dies formed from the first molded pieces, thereby readily adapting the manufacture of doll 20 to mass production techniques.

In order that the various pieces comprising doll 20 will adhere or be attracted to magnetic mounting means 28 the cavity of the individual pieces are treated in an unique and novel manner which will now be particularly described in connection with cavity 66 of head piece 44 illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 7.

As illustrated in Figure 5 cavity 66 of head piece 44 is sprayed with a heavy coating of magnetically sensitive metallic paint generally indicated by stipled portion 68 of head piece Thus when head piece 44 and the other pieces making up doll 26 are placed on magnetic mounting means 28 in the proper positions as illustrated in Figure 3 the pieces will be magnetically attracted to and held by magnetic mounting means 28. Thus each piece is consecutively placed in its proper position and held by the aforementioned magnetic action until the entire doll is formed. The irregular pattern of the parting lines of the various pieces; as for example, parting lines 48, 54, 58, and 64 of Figure 2 assures an interlocking and mutual inter-supporting of the various pieces for the purpose of a firm assembly that can not be dislodged, easily.

Turning now to Figures 6 and 7 the details of further embodiments of the novel means for providing the cavities of the pieces with a magnetically sensitive means for mounting the pieces upon mounting means 28 will now be particularly described.

As shown in Figure 6 cavity 66 of head piece 44 is lined with a thin metallic foil-like member 70 conforming to the configuration of cavity 66. Foil member 70 is provided with a plurality of prong-like extensions 72 which are embedded into the body of piece 44, as shown in Figure 6. Foil member 70 is placed in the die or mold and then the moldable plastic or other material is poured into the mold and completely fills the mold thereby surrounding prong-like extensions 72. When the moldable material hardens or sets it grippingly engages extensions '72 thereby holding foil member 70 in close engagement and conforming relation to the cavity 66 of piece 44 and the other pieces comprising doll 20. Foil member 70 can also be formed without prong-like extensions 72 and glued into cavity 66, after piece 44 has been molded, by means of a firm setting glue or other adhesive.

As shown in Figure 7 there is still a further embodiment of the adhering means mounted in cavity 66 for mounting piece 44 on magnetic mounting means 28. In this embodiment small metallic slugs or pieces 74 are embedded in the moldable material composing the pieces of the doll; as for example, piece 44. Metallic pieces 74 are so disposed in the body of the pieces when they are molded so that the ends of metallic pieces are exposed. Exposed ends 76 of metallic pieces 74 will of course be attracted to the magnetic mounting means 28 when the pieces are placed in the proper position against the magnetic mounting means.

The pieces are successively placed on magnetic means 28 in their proper positions until the complete doll or figurine 20 is constructed as shown in Figure 4, the three dimensional nature of the pieces and the fact that the pieces are only portions of the various components of the figure rather than delineated portions of the figure; such as, the head, torso, and the like, create an intriguing puzzle, excite interest in the construction problem, and serves to create a three dimensional visual ability. As shown in Figure 4 the illustrative doll is composed of twelve pieces; namely, pieces 44, 46, 50, 52, 56, 60, 62, 78, 80, 90, 92, and 94 defined by parting lines shown in full lines on Figure 4 and partially indicated by numerals 48, 54, and 64. Of course the figurine can be composed of any number of pieces cut in any desired interengaging pattern.

As an alternate form of construction, mounting means 28 can be formed of steel but not magnetized. In this form of construction magnetic means are mounted within the various pieces, as clearly seen in Figure 7A and generally designated by the numeral 21. In this form of the present novel invention small magnets 23 are imbedded in the plastic or plaster pieces, such as pieces 44, in the process of molding the pieces. The poles of magnets 23 are all disposed in the direction as indicated by the letters N and S on Figure 7A.

Assembly of this embodiment is accomplished in the same manner as heretofore described, except that in this form of the invention the various pieces carry the magnetic holding means rather than having a magnetized mounting means 28 as heretofore described.

The foregoing described structural characteristics of magnetic means 28 is preferred since the ellipsoidal head portion 30 and body portion 34 connected thereto by rc duced cylindrical neck portion 32 generally suggests the human form or figure and aids in the construction of the doll 20 thereon. Further the form of magnetic mounting means 28 provides relatively large supporting surfaces; such as, spheroidal shoulder portion 36. Additionally the relatively thinner neck portion 32 serves to have the pieces engage thereabouts and be supported by shoulder portion 36 thereby assuring that the pieces will be well supported on magnetic mounting means 28.

However, as clearly illustrated in Figure 8 the magnetic mounting means may just as easily take the form of a straight rod or cylindrical member 96, which is 'rnuch simpler to form. For purposes of lightness magnetic mounting means 96 may also be formed from tubular or hollow stock, if so desired.

Turning now to Figure 9 there is shown a composite illustration of a further form of the doll pieces and the magnetic mounting means whereby the doll may be rotated and adjusted on the mounting means to place the doll in different or various attitudes.

As shown in Figure 9.the magnetic mounting means comprises a cylindrical shaft or rod 98, which may be hollowed for lightness and having spaced integral cylindrical flanges or shoulders 100, 102, and 104 thereon. Shoulder 100 which is a head supporting shoulder and which is located at the neck area of the doll 20 is materially smaller in diameter than shoulders 102 and 104 as to be completely within the neck of doll 20, as clearly illustrated in Figure 9.

In this form of the invention the head of the figurine or doll 20 is formed in two halves 106 and 108 separated or cut on a vertical parting line 110. The interior of pieces or halves 106 and 108 have a cylindrical cavity conforming to the upper end of member 98 and a concentric groove at the neck portion conforming to shoulder 100. The torso is also formed in two halves only one of which is shown in Figure 9 and indicated 112. Torso portion 112, and its mate (not shown) have a cylindrical cavity 114 therein interrupted by concentric groove 116. Similarly leg half 118 and its mate (not shown) are provided with cylindrical cavity 120 interrupted by concentric groove 122. The cavities and concentric grooves of the various pieces are provided with magnetically sensitive means of the types illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 7 for the purposes of mounting the pieces on magnetic mounting means 98. The pieces are mounted on member or means 98 so that head pieces 106 and 108 are supported by shoulder 100 as well as being held by the magnetic action of magnetic means 98. Similarly the torso pieces 112 and leg pieces 118 are supported by shoulders 102 and 104, respectively. Thus once assembled doll 20 is constructed on magnetic mounting means 98 the individual portions of the figure; such, as the head, torso, or legs can be rotated on their respective supporting shoulders to vary the attitude or pose of the doll 20, thereby creating more intrigue in the finished or completely assembled doll.

Turning now to Figure 10 there is shown still a further form of the present novel invention, generally indicated by numeral 160. The type of construction toy disclosed in Figure 10 is similar to that disclosed in Figures 1 through 4, but is particularly directed to animal rather 4, but is particularly directed to animal rather than than human forms.

As clearly seen in Figure l animal 160 is constructed on a modified magnetic mounting means 162 particularly adapted to the construction of animal type forms. The illustrative type of dog of Figure 10 is constructed in a similar manner to the doll 20 of Figures 1 through 4; that is, pieces 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176 which are provided with a mounting media of one of the types disclosed in Figures 5 through 7, are mounted on mounting means 162 as heretofore more particularly described in connection wtih the construction or assembly of doll 20 illustrated in Figures 1 through 4.

Many different types of forms can be molded to fit on the same type of magnetic mounting means 162; that is, the mounting means can be used to mount or support any kind of animal figure or bird, it merely necessary to mold the various pieces to fittedly engage magnetic mounting means 162.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential scope or characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as'illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a figurine type construction toy for the amusement and education of children, a first holding member having a predetermined external curved form; a plurality of individually different second members having pre-determined external forms, the aggregate of said second members solely defining a figurine when assembled in a predetermined relation on said first holding member; cavities of different predetermined forms in each of said second members corresponding to different fragmental portions of the external form of said first holding member; adhering means mounted in said cavities and exactly conforming to the predetermined forms of said cavities and solely coactive with said first holding member when said second members are mounted thereon in a predetermined relation, whereby said second members are held in assembled relation by the interaction of said holding member and adhering means so that the aggregate of said second members define a complete figurine.

2. In a figurine type construction toy for the amusement and education of children, a first holding member of metallic material susceptible to magnetic attraction having a predetermined external form; a plurality of individual fragmental multi-dimensional second members having predetermined external form, the aggregate of said second members solely defining a figurine when assembled in a predetermined relation on said first holding member; irregularly cut edge surfaces on each of said second members for essentially interlocking supporting relation with mutually adjacent second members when assembled in said predetermined relation on said first holding member; cavities of different predetermined form in each of said second members corresponding to different fragmental portions of the external form of said first holding member; and a plurality of magnet means mounted in each of said second members having the same pole of each of said magnets extending toward said cavity and solely coactive with said metallic first holding member when said second members are mounted thereon in a predetermined relation, whereby said second members are held in assembled relation by the interaction of said holding member and magnetic means so that the aggregate of said second members define a complete figurine.

3. In a figurine type construction toy for the amusement and education of children, a first permanent magnet holding member having a predetermined external curved form; a plurality of non-magnetic individual fragmental multi-dimensional second members having predetermined external forms, the aggregate of said second members solely defining a figurine when assembled in a predetermined relation on said first holding member; irregularly cut edge surfaces on each of said second members for essentially interlocking supporting relation with mutually adjacent second members when assembled in said predetermined relation on said first member; cavities in said second members exactly corresponding to different fragmental portions of the external form on said first holding member; and metallic means susceptible to magnetic attraction mounted in the cavities of said second members and exactly corresponding to the contours of said cavities, attracted and held by first holding member when said second members are mounted thereon in a predetermined relation, whereby said second members are held on said first holding member in assembled relation by the magnetic attraction therebetween so that the aggregate of said second members define a complete figurine.

(References on following page) UNITED STATES PATENTS Blamfield Oct. 15, 1918 Friedman Aug. 20, 1935 Philippi Mar. 31, 1936 Shortt Feb. 8, 1949 8 Leblang Mar. 29, 1949 Beder July 5, 1949 Peterson May 24, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS Switzerland Nov. 16, 1935 France Apr. 28, 1947 

